Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve NV-$48.99

The Perfect Holiday Toast

Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve NV ($48.99) is the absolute real deal from Reims, France. Created by Cellar Master Xavier Berdin, Champagne Palmer is vinified from grapes grown in the Grand and Premier Crus vineyards planted on and around the famed Montagne de Reims, from Valee de la Marne, Cote des Bar and Cote de Sezanne. This is a classic blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier that experienced long aging, including 4 years on the lees (aging on the spent yeast) and 6 months of aging in the bottle after the yeast is disgorged. This gives the Champagne a soft, mellow, rounded mouth feel and ample opportunity to relish in the opulent fruit flavors of baked apples, ripe pears and subtle notes of honey that make this the perfect way to start the Holiday meal. The finish is rich and long lasting, making it ideal with an assortment of cheeses, crudité and pate. It also pairs nicely with more substantial hot hors d'oeuvres, like blue cheese stuffed escargot or artichoke hearts, mushrooms baked with brie and showered in French Thyme, scallops seared in a bit of the Champagne or giant cocktail shrimp with Remoulade sauce or raw oysters with splashed with shallot vinaigrette. For an exquisite late nite meal, serve it well-chilled with medallions of veal or lightly pounded chicken breasts lightly sautéed in butter and olive oil with shallots, fresh garlic and a hint of rosemary to give it a bit of herbal perfume and a handful of mixed wild, oyster or shiitake mushrooms, according to your taste preference and availability. Served with a side of spinach or kale sautéed in garlic and olive oil, and a dessert of flambéed strawberries poured over crème brulee you have the perfect romantic evening.